Lidl sparks row with councillors over planning

RETAIL giant Lidl sparked a bitter row yesterday by accusing three councillors of interfering in the planning process for political reasons.

In a submission to An Bórd Pleanála, Lidl said it believes that Cork city councillors Jonathan O’Brien (SF), Damien Wallace and Tony Fitzgerald (FF) were “politically motivated” in their objections against a liquor licence for a store it is planing to build on the city’s northside.

The city’s 32 councillors have reacted furiously and are planning to write to Lidl calling on them to substantiate the claims or withdraw the suggestion.